Kop Legend Dietmar Hamann feels that Liverpool should leave Daniel Sturridge out of the crucial Manchester United clash on Sunday. The former German midfielder feels that manager Brendan Rodgers can play Raheem Sterling as his central striker with Sturridge coming on later as an impact substitute. Sturridge though has started 7 of Liverpool’s last 9 games since his return from a five-month injury lay-off.
Sturridge was on the bench when Liverpool beat Manchester City by 2-1 at Anfield earlier this month and Hamann believes that Rodgers could deploy the same tactics against United.
Hamann was quoted saying by Liverpool Echo, “That’s what I’d do, personally. I would not be surprised to see Sterling play up top, with Sturridge on the bench.”
“I don’t think Daniel is quite at 100% yet, so I think it would be good to have him as a real weapon on the bench for the last half hour, and let Sterling stretch the United defense to start with.”
If you think back to the game at Old Trafford, that was the first time we really saw Sterling used as a striker. And though we lost the game, we created more chances than we had all season, really, and he made a big difference. I think he’s played that role beautifully since. It changes everything when you have that pace up front, because you can stretch the game.”
“We lacked that in the first part of the season when Mario Balotelli or Rickie Lambert were playing up there, but we’ve had it since that Old Trafford game. It would be a big call to leave Sturridge out, but I just think Sterling may be the way to go.”
Liverpool are currently a couple of points behind the Red Devils and could break into the top four with a win against their fierce rivals on Sunday afternoon in front of their vociferous home faithful.
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